In this issue

My Council Update includes info about the next municipal election, the new fast ferry, the housing accelerator fund proposed changes, CAPABLE, Windsor Street Exchange, and March Break.

Public Engagement section shows Council and Budget meetings.  Roadworks info has been updated and Community Events & Information includes some new events and upcoming important dates.

Councillor Update

Hi everyone,

It’s with a bit of a heavy heart that I want to let you know I will not be running to be your Councillor in the next election. I hope to continue to serve our community and the municipality in some fashion. It’s been a huge honour and privilege to represent District 7 for the last 12 years but it is time for new challenges!

There are however eight months, a ton of work, and this year’s budget yet to go, the work is not done!  While it is an election year, I will conduct one last Participatory Budgeting this year with a reduced amount. Information on the website has been updated: https://wayemason.ca/pb

Speaking of Budget, this is the last week of our budget process. I am pretty pleased with the outcome so far, especially the funding of alternatives to police responding to mental health and other non-criminal calls.  As always, I apologize for how my response time slowed during this six-week slog, but we’ve made it through and normal service should be back next week!

ELECTION 2024 – BECOME A CANDIDATE

Every four years, the municipality holds an election for Regional Council (Mayor and Councillors) and Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) Members. The 2024 Municipal and CSAP Election will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.

Municipalities play a critical role in our day-to-day lives. With the Halifax Regional Municipality being home to over 480,000 residents spanning over 5,400 square kilometres, the role of municipal government has a direct impact on the lives of those who live, work and invest in the municipality. From recreation to transportation to development and waste collection — and beyond.

Running for public office at the municipal level provides a platform to amplify the voices of those within your community and advocate for issues that matter the most to you and your neighbours.

For more information visit https://halifax.ca/election or email me and let’s have a coffee and chat!

MILL COVE FAST FERRY FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT

Today HRM’s plan for the Mill Cove fast ferry received full funding! This is a good day for the people of Hammonds Plains, Bedford, Sackville, and Fall River. It’s because of hard work that we are here today. The people who live in the suburbs have waited a long time for reliable, affordable transit they’re going to get it now! This will also benefit folks making their way to Bedford to work at RBC, IBM or any of the other employment centres there.

This is the first of HRMs three proposed fast ferry routes and bus rapid transit network.

I am especially proud of the dogged determination of Councillor Tim Outhit, who made sure that some form of alternative was developed and now is being built.  Thank you for your decades-long commitment!

The federal government is investing $155,686,984 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Nova Scotia is investing $65,000,000 and HRM is contributing $38,974,016. .

The Mill Cove Ferry Service Project includes the design and construction of the terminals and procurement of ferries. This announcement marks an important milestone in the project and further advances the progress towards HRM’s Rapid Transit Strategy and Integrated Mobility Plan.

UPDATE ON THE HOUSING ACCELERATOR FUND (HAF) PROPOSED CHANGES TO PLANNING

I wrote a long letter to staff with my thoughts as the elected official representing District 7, the regional centre, and all HRM regarding the proposed HAF changes.  I shared what have learned about concerns raised by residents throughout the process.  I think I captured much of what I’ve heard from residents, both for and against the changes.

As I say in the letter “I know that now is the time for bold changes to address the housing crisis, and after writing an explainer of the proposed changes I’ve certainly received a great deal of feedback….

Apart from the university areas and Fenwick CEN zone, this is generally still true to what was proposed in the Centre Plan with the intensity dialled up with more height or units for density.  The proposal by and large reads as an increase in development allowed in the regional centre while still generally using the Centre Plan findings, mapping, zoning, and design guidelines.

I don’t see this as walking away from the Centre Plan. It’s what would have happened in the Center Plan eventually, but 25 years earlier than we thought we might need it, as we are now growing at an unprecedented rate.  Much of what is proposed in the rest of the serviced area, or suburban area, is logical and is the kind of thing that will flow from the suburban plan.

While this largely builds on the good work and community engagement done to get Centre Plan adopted there are some things I think should be changed, which I outline below.”

I have made what I think are important suggestions for changes in the ER zones and around the universities, as well as some other observations, like whether it makes sense to have a height limit AND use FAR (it doesn’t).  You can read my submission here (CORRECTED): https://wayemason.ca/2024/02/21/my-letter-to-staff-regarding-housing-accelerator-fund-minorrev-2023-0106/

CAPABLE

Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (or CAPABLE) is a home-based program that improves in-home safety and function so that people over the age of 65 having difficulty with activities of daily living can remain independent in their own homes longer.

The client receives an initial home visit by the CAPABLE team to identify areas within their home that can be modified to improve their health, safety and day-to-day life. The CAPABLE team consists of a registered nurse, an occupational therapist, and a handy-worker who will work with the client over a period of four to five months to set goals and direct action plans. Each follow-up visit will build on the one before, focused on increasing the client’s quality of life, safety and independence at home by learning new skills, exercises and how to work with additional tools/equipment/home modifications and repairs. This program is available at no cost to the client.

*CAPABLE is an evidence-based program brought to you as a one-year pilot by VON in partnership with Nova Scotia’s Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care and on behalf of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. https://von.ca/en/capable

WINDSOR STREET EXCHANGE UPDATE

There was progress on the Windsor Street Exchange redevelopment project last week. HRM put out a call for interested companies to submit their qualifications for rebuilding the intersection. The Windsor Street Exchange is not only a key gateway to downtown Halifax and Dartmouth, it’s also the main gateway to the Fairview Cove Container Terminal. Because of its importance to the port, this project has already secured millions in federal funding. The Province of Nova Scotia, CN Rail and HRM will also contribute to the project.

The Windsor Street Exchange handles about 48,000 vehicles a day and it’s overcapacity at peak times. Drivers have to do a lot of weaving to get through the Exchange and one fender bender can cause chaos. Previous plans for the redevelopment included increasing capacity to about 100,000 vehicles per day, while improving public transit flow and providing a safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists.

Rebuilding the Windsor Street Exchange is a complex project and HRM is taking a new approach. Instead of hiring one company to do the design and another company to do the construction, HRM is looking for a single company to do a “Progressive Design Build” which includes both the design and the construction.

There are several benefits of a Progressive Design Build approach such as faster completion and lower risk of cost overruns because one company will take sole responsibility for the final product. Once a company is hired, the design could take 8-12 months, with construction possibly starting in 2025. Once underway, construction is expected to take 2-3 years.

MARCH BREAK

Looking for fun things to do over March Break?

Halifax Public Libraries have plenty of activities planned! Check out their What’s On Calendar for free events and activities for the whole family to enjoy—at-home and in person! Visit their website to explore and register: https://bit.ly/3vntwGg

Halifax Rec also has an awesome lineup of March Break programs at the Power House Youth Centre! Most workshops are free, but be space is limited so be sure to register to save your spot. Visit www.halifax.ca/powerhouse for a full list of events and registration info.

Check out Discover Halifax for more ideas and announcements! https://discoverhalifaxns.com/plan/kids/marchbreak/

That’s it for now!  Please be safe, be kind, and be patient,

Waye

Public Meetings, Hearings & Engagement

Halifax Regional Council – Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers or Virtual.
If you want to read reports coming to Regional Council (posted mid-day Friday prior to the Tuesday meeting) or to check the agenda. Upcoming meetings:

• Tuesday March 5 10am
• Tuesday March 19 10am
• Tuesday March 26 10am

Agendas here: https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports?category=127

Budget Committee – Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers

As the Halifax is well into budget deliberations, the importance of resident participation cannot be overstated. The municipal budget is not just a financial plan; it’s a reflection of community priorities, needs, and aspirations. When residents actively engage in the budget process, they contribute to the shaping of policies and the allocation of resources that directly impact their daily lives.

Learn more about the 2024/2025 Municipal Budget here: https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/budget-finances/budget

Would you like to speak during Public Participation?  There are two opportunities to sign up as a speaker for in-person Public Participation:

Option 1: Register in advance
Zoom is available as an option for pre-registered speakers only.

• Contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office no later than 4:30 p.m. the day before the next Budget Committee 2023 meeting:
• Send an email to clerks@halifax.ca If you’re signing up via email and you don’t receive a response from us within one business day, phone our office at 902.490.4210 to confirm receipt. Please ensure you check your email’s junk/spam folder regularly.
•  Phone 902.490.4210 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
•  Fax 902.490.4208 and include a call back phone number or email.

Option 2: During the meeting
During the meeting, after all the pre-registered speakers have been called, the Chair will call three times to ask if there is anyone else present who would like to speak. If you are present in the meeting room you can indicate your wish to speak at that time.

PLEASE NOTE:  All Budget Committee meetings will be audio and/or video recorded for the purpose of creating a record of the proceedings.   If you do not wish to be recorded, do not sign up to speak; you can provide a written submission via clerks@halifax.ca

• Wednesday, March 6 (Contingency: Friday, March 8) – Business Unit and Budget Presentation: Community Safety; Fiscal
• Tuesday, April 2 (Contingency: Wednesday, April 3) – Budget Adjustment List (BAL) Review
• Tuesday, April 23 (Contingency: Tuesday, April 30) – Budget Approval

Halifax & West Community Council – Halifax City Hall, Council Chambers
Community Council meets on Tuesday evenings alternating with Regional Council. Please check the webpage here for agendas (usually available a week before the meeting), locations, and times.

• Monday, March 25 6pm

Agenda here – https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports?category=140

Regional Centre Community Council – Harbour East Marine Drive Room, Alderney Landing
Community Council meets on Tuesday evenings alternating with Regional Council. Please check the webpage here for agendas (usually available a week before the meeting), locations, and times.

• Wednesday, March 27 6pm if required

Agenda here – https://www.halifax.ca/city-hall/agendas-meetings-reports?category=140

Halifax Peninsula Planning Advisory Committee & Design Advisory Committee
The Nova Scotia government has suspended the meeting of planning advisory committees and most forms of public engagement in planning for three years, ending April 2025.

Information about how to watch or participate in virtual meetings can be found on the agenda pages. Please confirm meeting dates and times on our website as dates and times are subject to change.